Oral Cancer Awareness

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, over 48,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. The truth is oral cancer can and should be easier to discover and diagnose than other cancers. Unfortunately, many patients avoid regular dental check-ups allowing cancer to go undiagnosed until the late stages when it is often too late for effective treatment. Early diagnosis of oral cancer is essential for successful treatment.

Visiting Dr. Zachary Sisler twice a year can help find oral cancer and other advanced dental concerns early. Dr. Sisler provides oral cancer screenings at every regularly scheduled dental exam. Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless and can save lives. A simple visual screening, oral cancer screenings last only two minutes.

Know the Risks and Signs of Oral Cancer

Anyone can develop oral cancer, and everyone should be screened regularly. However, there are certain risk factors that may make you more susceptible to oral cancer. If any of these risk factors apply to you, be sure to check your mouth regularly for any changes.

  • Tobacco use, both from cigarettes and chewing or spit tobacco
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
  • Prolonged exposure to ultra-violet light
  • Poor nutrition

Many signs of oral cancer are also symptoms of other oral concerns, some much less serious. If you notice changes in your oral tissue, throat or neck that persist for upwards of 14 days, it is essential to schedule a visit to our Shippensburg, PA dentist office. Be sure to pay attention to your mouth, looking in the mirror monthly and noting any changes. Changes to look for include:

  • Sores or mouth or lips
  • Red or white patches
  • Thickening of oral tissue
  • Hoarseness or feeling of something caught in throat
  • Lumps
  • Change in fit of oral appliances

Schedule An Oral Cancer Screening Shippensburg, PA

For more information on oral and pharyngeal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. If you are concerned with changes in your mouth or need to schedule your next dental exam contact our Shippensburg, PA dentist office or schedule a consultation online.